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QMI Agency

Dec 19, 2011

, Last Updated: 4:47 PM ET

NEW YORK - Milan Lucic's history of borderline hits caught up with him Monday as the Boston Bruins forward was suspended for one game by the NHL for checking Philadelphia Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo from behind.
A major penalty for checking from behind and a game misconduct were assessed on the play at 16:21 of the second period Saturday.
Lucic will forfeit $22,072 in salary.
The suspension took effect Monday night as the Bruins were in Montreal to play the Canadiens.
"While this hit is not particularly egregious it is illegal," senior vice-president Brendan Shanahan said.
"The overriding factor in elevating this check from behind from a penalty on the ice to a suspension is his history of similar infractions, warnings and a fine."
On Nov. 12, Lucic flattened Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller with an open-ice hit. Although Lucic made no effort to avoid a collision he wasn't suspended. Miller ended up with a concussion.
Lucic was fined $2,500 last December after drawing a match penalty for a punch on Atlanta's Freddy Meyer. He also was fined $1,000 for an obscene gesture toward the Thrashers bench.
Lucice was suspended for one game in the playoffs in 2009 for a cross-check to the head of Montreal's Maxim Lapierre.
RANGERS LOSE EMINGER
New York Rangers defenceman Steve Eminger will be sidelined for up to 10 weeks because of a separated right shoulder.
Eminger was hurt during the Rangers' 3-2 win Saturday against the Phoenix Coyotes.
In 30 games this season, Eminger has two goals and two assists.
The Rangers have recalled defencemen Stu Bickel and Tim Erixon from the AHL's Connecticut Whale. Bickel will take Eminger's spot, while Erixon was recalled in case Jeff Woywitka (foot) can't play Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils.
Wearing the No. 7 previously worn by defenceman David Rundblad, Kyle Turris joined the Ottawa Senators at practice Monday and will be in the lineup Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres.
Turris, dealt Saturday to the Senators by the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Rundblad and a second-round pick, skated on a line with Nick Foligno on his left and Erik Condra on the right.
"I'm excited to get going," Turris said. "I'm really excited. I couldn't wait to get started (Monday) and meet all the guys and get going (Tuesday)."
SENS' SPEZZA A STAR
Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators was chosen Monday as the NHL's first star of the week after getting three goals and five assists in three games.
Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, the second star, made at least 35 saves in each of three consecutive wins.
Third star Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins had five goals and three assists in three games.
The Winnipeg Jets have sent forward Jason Jaffray back to the St. John's IceCaps of the American Hockey League.
The 30-year-old from Olds, Alta. had one assist and seven penalty minutes in 13 games with the Jets.
The move also clears the way for the Jets to activate winger Antti Miettinen, who will make his Jets debut on Tuesday against the New York Islanders (7:35 p.m., TSN Jets, TSN 1290).